Orthopedic Center of Excellence

Norton Healthcare has been certified by The Joint Commission as a Center of Excellence for knee and hip replacements. Norton Healthcare is the first and only certified Orthopedic Center of Excellence in the region and the first multisite hospital system in Kentucky to achieve this designation.

During an extensive performance review by The Joint Commission, Norton Healthcare demonstrated proficiency with all standards for knee and hip replacement. The standards reviewed included:

Performance measures

Clinical practice guidelines

Quality improvement reports

Data usage

The evaluation was based on a detailed review of all aspects of care, from when a patient is determined to be a candidate for joint replacement through shortly after discharge.

"The Joint Commission certification as a Center of Excellence for knee and hip replacement will help patients make informed decisions about their health," said Cyna Khalily, M.D., medical director of orthopaedics at Norton Healthcare. "According to The Joint Commission, certification demonstrates commitment to a higher standard of service. The Joint Commission certification means we at Norton Healthcare are meeting and exceeding national standards. We have shown that we can improve patients' quality of life by getting them back to an active lifestyle quickly and reliably."

Health industry experts say the number of total joint replacements is expected to grow by 35 percent over the next decade. Additionally, the number of primary hip replacements is expected to grow by 22 percent, and the number of primary knee replacements is expected to grow 34 percent. Norton Healthcare's accreditation from The Joint Commission assures these patients access to the highest quality of care.